Starting in 2026, student loan borrowers may face federal tax bills up to $10,000 due to the expiration of a tax exemption on forgiven student debt. This change affects people who expected to benefit from income-driven repayment programs, which previously provided tax-exempt debt forgiveness. U.S. senators are urging the government to find a solution to prevent financial harm to borrowers.
Key Facts
Starting in 2026, forgiven student loan debt will no longer be exempt from federal income tax.
The American Rescue Plan provided tax exemption on forgiven student debt, but this will end in 2025.
Borrowers could face federal tax bills between $5,800 and $10,000, depending on their debt amount.
U.S. senators, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, have warned about the financial impact on borrowers.
The Treasury and IRS are being urged to either extend the exemption or find another solution before 2025 ends.
The "Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act" introduces a new repayment plan with higher monthly payments.
The new rules could push many to switch repayment plans, affecting approximately 3 million current IDR borrowers.
A new poll suggests that Sherrod Brown, a former Democratic Senator, has improved his chances of winning a Senate seat in Ohio against Jon Husted. The poll indicates Brown is leading slightly, with support from independent voters and women. The state of Ohio, which currently leans conservative, will have political contests important for party control in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Sherrod Brown is a former Democratic Senator who served from 2007 to 2025.
Brown lost a Senate race last year to Republican Bernie Moreno.
Brown announced his 2026 Senate run and is challenging Jon Husted for the seat.
A recent poll shows Brown leading Husted with 48% compared to Husted's 45%.
Brown is favored by independent voters and has strong support from women.
The poll was conducted by Hart Research for the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Democrats face challenges in the upcoming elections, needing to secure traditionally Republican seats.
Ohio has become more conservative, backing President Donald Trump heavily in recent elections.
President Donald Trump sent a letter to Israel's president, asking for a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump called Netanyahu's corruption trial a political and unjustified prosecution. However, Israeli law requires that a pardon request must come from the accused, their legal representative, or a family member.
Key Facts
President Trump sent a letter to Israel's president.
The letter asked for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump described Netanyahu's trial as political and unjustified.
Israeli law states that pardon requests must come from the accused or specific representatives.
President Donald Trump suggested several new policy ideas during a time of government shutdown and recent Democratic election wins. His ideas include 50-year mortgages, payments to Americans for health coverage, $2,000 tariffs dividends, and bonuses for air traffic controllers.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed 50-year mortgages as a new loan option.
He suggested paying Americans directly for health coverage instead of insurers.
The president proposed giving Americans $2,000 from money collected through tariffs.
Trump suggested bonuses for air traffic controllers working during the government shutdown.
These ideas came up during a period when Democrats made election gains and the government experienced a shutdown.
The U.S. House of Representatives must hold a vote on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. This is happening because Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva's recent swearing-in provided the final signature needed to push the vote forward. The legislation, called the Epstein Files Transparency Act, aims to make documents about Epstein's activities public.
Key Facts
The vote on the Epstein files was delayed because of a two-month recess in the House.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson will now hold the vote, following Grijalva's signature on a discharge petition.
Adelita Grijalva took office following a special election to replace her late father.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act seeks to release Department of Justice documents about Epstein.
Representatives Thomas Massie (Republican) and Ro Khanna (Democrat) co-sponsored the Act.
President Trump opposes the release of more Epstein-related files, calling it a distraction.
The House is likely to vote on the Act in early December.
Newly released emails show possible connections between Epstein, President Trump, and others.
The Trump administration is looking at changes to student visas that might affect work opportunities for foreign students after they finish their degrees. A new rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggests big adjustments to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, citing job protection for American workers. The proposed changes aim to address concerns about fraud and security, and how these students enter the U.S. job market.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is considering changes to the student visa process, specifically the OPT program.
The OPT program lets international students work or train in the U.S. after they graduate.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests these changes to protect American jobs and address fraud and security issues.
There is concern that foreign workers under these programs might be taking jobs from American graduates.
Details of the proposed rule changes are not fully published yet.
In 2024, nearly 110,000 student visa holders worked in U.S. companies.
Advocates argue that foreign students contribute to important fields like healthcare and technology.
Some groups believe ending or limiting the OPT program could harm U.S. growth and innovation.
The article discusses the spread of false information during a long government shutdown in the United States. A fact check reveals that some claims, like those about SNAP benefits and alleged earnings from "Obamacare royalties" by Barack Obama, are not true.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is experiencing its longest shutdown in history.
False information is spreading quickly during this shutdown.
Some incorrect claims involve SNAP benefits, a federal assistance program.
There is a viral but untrue claim that Barack Obama made money from "Obamacare royalties."
The article aims to separate facts from misinformation.
Political misinformation can spread when satire is mistaken for reality.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had an MRI in October at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This MRI was described as part of his routine physical examination.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump had an MRI in October.
The MRI took place at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The White House press secretary is Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt stated the MRI was part of a routine physical check-up.
The press secretary did not give more details when asked for further information.
Emails about President Donald Trump involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have been disclosed by House Democrats. Mark Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein's brother, commented on these emails but did not confirm more emails exist. The emails discuss Trump's past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump's administration has addressed the emails by denying any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
House Democrats released emails allegedly sent by Jeffrey Epstein about President Trump.
The emails are dated 2011, 2015, and 2019.
One email referred to Trump as a “dog that hasn’t barked” and mentioned a victim spending time with Trump.
Another email discussed how Trump should answer questions about his relationship with Epstein.
President Trump has denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein.
White House press secretary stated that the emails prove Trump did nothing wrong.
Mark Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein's brother, said he would not be surprised if more emails exist.
Trump stated that Democrats are using the emails to divert attention from other issues.
President Donald Trump has proposed new economic measures to address concerns about affordability. These include offering $2,000 payments to Americans and the option of 50-year mortgages. The proposals aim to improve public perception of the economy amid recent election challenges for his party.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed $2,000 payments for most Americans, funded by tariff revenue.
Economists suggest the tariff revenue is insufficient to cover the plan's costs.
The proposed payments may raise consumer prices by putting more money into the economy.
The White House has dismissed newly released emails related to Jeffrey Epstein as a "manufactured hoax" by Democrats. The emails were released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, and the White House press secretary stated that they do not implicate President Trump in any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
The White House described the Epstein emails as a "manufactured hoax" by Democrats.
These emails were made public by the House Oversight Committee.
The White House press secretary stated that the emails show President Trump did nothing wrong.
President Trump reportedly knew Epstein from Palm Beach.
Trump is said to have removed Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club for being a "pedophile."
The discussion occurred during a Monday briefing at the White House.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a temporary funding bill that could end the ongoing government shutdown. While the Senate has already passed the bill, House Democrats are opposing it because it lacks funding for healthcare subsidies. These subsidies are linked to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which many Americans rely on for affordable health insurance.
Key Facts
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill to end the government shutdown.
The Senate passed the bill, but some House Democrats oppose it.
Democrats want the bill to include funding for healthcare subsidies related to the ACA.
These subsidies help about 24 million Americans access affordable health insurance.
The current disagreement is part of a larger political debate over healthcare funding.
If passed, the bill would then go to President Trump for signing into law.
President Trump suggested sending ACA subsidy funds directly to people instead of insurance companies.
The shutdown has lasted 42 days, disrupting services and affecting the economy.
The Supreme Court will hear two important cases in January. One case is about transgender athletes in school sports, and the other is about the appointment of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The outcomes could affect state and federal government power.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on two cases in January.
One case is about whether states can stop transgender girls and women from joining female sports teams at public schools and universities.
This issue comes from different lower court decisions, including a blocked law in West Virginia.
The other case is about the appointment of Lisa Cook to the Federal Reserve Board and whether it broke rules on presidential power.
President Donald Trump tried to fire Cook before a Federal Reserve meeting, but a judge said it was illegal.
No Federal Reserve governor has been fired in the agency's 112-year history.
Decisions on these cases are expected by late spring.
House Democrats released emails from 2019 in which Jeffrey Epstein claimed that President Trump knew about underage girls. Democrats argue these emails raise important questions about President Trump’s past relationship with Epstein. The White House has not commented, and Republicans on the committee accuse Democrats of selectively using documents.
Key Facts
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee shared emails involving Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump.
In a 2019 email, Epstein claimed President Trump was aware of girls, suggesting a connection to a past incident at Mar-a-Lago.
President Trump previously said he ended his friendship with Epstein and called the investigation demands a "hoax."
Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat, said the emails raise questions about the White House and Trump-Epstein ties.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the emails.
Republicans claim Democrats are misusing documents to create misleading stories.
The 2019 email was sent by Epstein to journalist Michael Wolff and mentioned Trump and Ghislaine Maxwell.
President Donald Trump responded to three emails referencing him, sent by Jeffrey Epstein, which the House Oversight Committee released. The emails discuss Trump's connections to Epstein and mention past interactions. Trump criticized Democrats over the timing of the email release, suggesting it was a distraction from other issues.
Key Facts
Three emails involving Jeffrey Epstein and mentioning President Trump were released by the House Oversight Committee.
The emails include communications between Epstein, Steve Bannon, and Larry Summers.
Epstein referred to Trump as “the dog that hasn’t barked” in one email.
Epstein claimed Trump asked him to resign his Mar-a-Lago club membership.
Another email suggested Trump knew about Epstein's misconduct.
President Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the email release a "hoax" and a distraction by Democrats.
Trump accused Democrats of causing financial harm to the country.
Elaine Luria, a Democrat from Virginia and former U.S. Representative, announced her plans to run again for Congress after helping investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol incident. She aims to challenge Republican Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, who defeated her previously, in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. Luria, who is also a military veteran, wants to improve economic opportunities and holds firm on her decision to investigate President Trump’s actions during the Capitol riots.
Key Facts
Elaine Luria is a Democrat and former U.S. Representative from Virginia.
She helped investigate the Jan. 6 Capitol incident after Trump’s first term.
Luria is running for Congress again in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.
The district is racially diverse and has a significant military population.
She was defeated in 2022 by Republican Jennifer Kiggans, also a military veteran.
Luria emphasizes improving economic opportunities and accountability for the Jan. 6 incident.
Her run reflects a larger effort among Democrats to influence the 2026 midterm elections.
President Donald Trump claims that prices are decreasing under his leadership, but reports show that many Americans feel financial pressure. Despite Trump's statements about low grocery and energy prices, data suggests prices are still rising, with many people finding it hard to keep up with the cost of living.
Key Facts
President Trump says grocery prices are down, but many Americans feel costs are rising.
The Department of Labor reported a 3.0% rise in the annual inflation rate as of September 2025.
Over half of surveyed U.S. adults believe the economy is worsening under Trump's leadership.
A poll found that 95% of Americans think their pay isn't keeping up with living costs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a 3.0% rise in food prices in 2025.
Energy costs increased by 2.8% over the past year, according to government reports.
Gas prices decreased slightly from when Trump took office but remain above $3 per gallon.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that significant steps will soon be taken to lower the prices of coffee and certain fruits. These measures aim to help with the rising costs of groceries.
Key Facts
Scott Bessent is the Treasury Secretary.
Bessent said actions are coming soon to reduce grocery prices.
Coffee and some fruits will specifically see price reductions.
The Trump administration is addressing rising grocery costs.
The U.S. does not grow coffee and certain fruits.
Bessent made these comments in a Fox News interview.
This is a developing news story, with more details to come.
The U.S. Supreme Court is involved in a decision about funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a government shutdown. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with a decision to extend a temporary stop of a ruling that required the government to fully fund SNAP benefits. About 40 million Americans rely on SNAP, and the debates center around how to distribute limited funds during the ongoing government shutdown.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court needs to decide on the government funding for SNAP during a government shutdown.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed with a decision to extend a temporary hold on court orders for SNAP funding.
The Trump administration stopped SNAP funding in October because of the government shutdown.
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans, or about 40 million people, use SNAP benefits.
The government argued that full funding under current circumstances requires using emergency funds set aside for other purposes.
An appeals court ordered SNAP funding to resume, but the Supreme Court issued a temporary hold on this ruling.
The Solicitor General stated that using the required $4 billion for SNAP would disrupt other funding priorities during the shutdown.
Attorneys for SNAP beneficiaries argue that the lack of funds causes serious harm to millions who need the assistance to buy food.
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is ending the production of the penny following an order by President Donald Trump. The decision comes as the cost of producing a penny has increased to nearly 4 cents. The change is expected to save the Treasury $56 million annually.
Key Facts
The last penny will be minted at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump ordered the discontinuation of the penny due to its high production cost.
It costs the U.S. nearly 4 cents to produce a single penny.
The penny has been in production since 1793, almost immediately after the Coinage Act was passed.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasurer Brandon Beach will attend the final production run.
The Treasury expects to save $56 million each year by stopping penny production.
The penny has historical significance, documenting over 200 years of U.S. society.
Retailers have had concerns about how to handle transactions without pennies, sometimes resorting to creative solutions.
